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Oxalic acid
From WikEM
Contents
Background
- Used in bleach and rust removers
- Also found in some species of plants
Mechanism of Toxicity
- Solution form:
- Irritative and Corrosive
- Causes hypocalcemia and formation of calcium oxalate crystals that can deposit in brain, heart, and kidneys.
- Insoluble form:
- Local mucous membrane irritation
Toxic Dose
- 5-15 g can be lethal
Clinical Features
- Direct contact with skin/eyes
- Skin and eye irritation and burning
- Inhalation
- Sore throat, cough, wheezing, pulmonary edema
- Ingestion
- Weakness, tetany, cardiac arrest
Diagnosis
- Clinical
- No specific levels for oxalic acid
Management
- Protect the airway
- Decontamination
- Calcium chloride or calcium gluconate to reverse hypocalcemia
References
- Olson, K. Poisoning and Drug Overdose, 1999.
